Cafe owner is forced to close and make eight staff redundant amid complaints from neighbours about the smell of bacon and clinking of teacups

• Emma Ayles says she was told by officials to leave the site almost immediately

A cafe owner has had to close her business and make eight people redundant after three neighbours complained about the smell of bacon and the clinking of teacups.

Emma Ayles, 47, says she is ‘heartbroken’ at having to lose her business just before Christmas after being told by planning officials to leave the site almost immediately.

Officials reportedly concluded that the cafe caused ‘unacceptable harm’ to the living conditions of neighbours.

But the married mother-of-two said she was ‘flabbergasted’ at the decision.

Emma installed The Caddy Shack Cafe, made from a converted metal shipping container, at Weymouth and Portland Rugby Club in Dorset in April 2022 after relocating from another site at the seaside town.

The rugby club, tenants on the land, helped her set up on the site temporarily, as she sought planning permission to make the cafe permanent.

The cafe has become a popular community gathering spot for walkers, school children and disabled people passing by on mobility scooters.

But three residents voiced their opposition to the application on ‘noise and odour’ grounds in October 2022.

Emma Ayles, 47, says she is ‘heartbroken’ at having to lose her business just before Christmas

Emma installed The Caddy Shack Cafe, made from a converted metal shipping container, at Weymouth and Portland Rugby Club in Dorset in April 2022

They claimed there was anti-social behaviour close to the site, with complaints made about the ‘smell of bacon’ and ‘of hearing teaspoons and teacups.’

Dorset Council rejected Emma’s bid for retrospective planning permission in February and her appeal has now been thrown out, leaving her out of options.

Emma said: ‘It’s been a constant battle, and so stressful wondering if the business will stay open every week, and then on Saturday I was told to close the next day.

‘It’s just before Christmas and I’ve had to let eight staff members go, they have children or are students.

‘It was an awful conversation to have with them and nobody understands why they have closed us down. Everyone is flabbergasted.

‘The whole thing is so ridiculous that I don’t know whether to laugh or cry.’

She continued: ‘To complain about the smell of bacon is ridiculous. And 90 per cent of the time the wind blows the other way from that house.

‘What do they want us to do, use chocolate teacups so there is no sound?

‘The council should be supporting small businesses yet they have given in to the ridiculous complaints of three residents. I just feel bad for the community as groups met at the cafe every day.

‘We have a chap that comes and sits for three hours reading a book, as well as students from the Wyvern School.

‘Disabled people liked coming here as they could easily stop by on their mobility scooters.

‘I’m in shock and I’m trying to figure out what to do next.’

The appeal against the planning decision to refuse permanent status for the cafe was submitted by the rugby club.

The decision notice states there were also concerns about anti-social behaviour and increased traffic at the site.

It concludes: ‘The development causes unacceptable harm to the living conditions of the occupiers of neighbouring properties.’

Anthony Goss, chairman of Weymouth and Portland RFC said: ‘We’re disappointed with the judgement, and the impact it will bring to the local area, not just from players and their families, but to the community.

‘It’s very sad for a small business making its way in a tough climate and sad for the staff.

‘The support from people has been unbelievable. A huge thanks to all the customers for making the place what it is.’

The decision to force the cafe to close has been slammed by people on social media.

Kati Eastwood posted: ‘The sound of tea spoons and smell of bacon… that must have been absolutely horrendous for the residents. They should be thoroughly ashamed of themselves.’

Jon Fells added: ‘This is just behind my house. They cause absolutely no problem whatsoever.

‘I’ve visited on a number of occasions for food and drink.

‘What an absolute shame that someone feels the need to empower themselves by getting this great little establishment shut down. So sad!’

MailOnline has contacted Dorset Council for comment.  

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